Ali Mohamed Swayfi, also known as ‘Petrie’s best lad’ is encountered frequently in the Abydos Paper Archive. In this letter, dated 10 March 1916, he writes to the Director General of Antiquities at the time, Pierre Lacau. He complains to him about the corruption and dishonesty of both the Fayum Inspector and the chief guard (sheikh al-ghofara) and the threats he received from them after he successfully seized objects that had been stolen. The letter was written at a time when Ali Swayfi was working as a guard to protect and safeguard archaeological sites, having been appointed by Petrie who himself was not in the country due to WWI (1914-1918). From the letter we get a good indication of Ali Swayfi as an influential reis and excavator:

– We learn that his work spanned a vast archaeological area from the Meidum Pyramids to Sedment al-Gabal, and with his center at el-Lahun

-He corresponded directly with the General Director of Antiquities

-He was firm in his confrontation with the Fayum Inspector and the ghofara

-He brings up the good relationship he has with Mr. Quibell, the Keeper of the Egyptian Museum at the time

-He is proud of his English upbringing, and the proper and respectable manners he has with everyone around him